Chennai/Theni: A police Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) was allegedly beaten to death by a group of intoxicated youths during Diwali celebrations at Samadharmapuram in Tamil Nadu's Theni district late on Sunday night, IANS reported. The deceased officer was identified as Senthil Kumar.

Source: IANS via The Freedom Press

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when a group of youths allegedly blocked a road, burst firecrackers and engaged in activities involving the recording of social media reels. An argument reportedly broke out between the youths and the officer, following which members of the group allegedly assaulted him.

Senthil Kumar suffered severe injuries in the attack and was rushed to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the medical facility, the report said.

Police have arrested four persons in connection with the incident and launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the fatal assault and to identify others who may have been involved. Theni Superintendent of Police Praveen Gautham visited the scene and reviewed the situation with senior officers. Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the surrounding area, and additional police personnel were deployed in Samadharmapuram through the night to prevent further disturbances.

The killing comes less than two weeks after a major security breach at Thekkampatti jail in Theni district, where 17 undertrial prisoners escaped on October 26 after allegedly attacking prison personnel; all 17 were subsequently brought back into custody and nine prison personnel were suspended. The two incidents have brought policing and security arrangements in Theni under renewed scrutiny.